To keep or sell???

[coyotecreek]

I'm looking for some advice. Over the past 8 -10 years I've accumulated a good stockpile of reloading components. Nothing fancy, but it's all new and waiting to be used. I have the tools, brass, bullets, powder, primers, etc. Problem is, I've never touched any of it! I'm 48 years old, my kids are out of the house, but I don't have the time (right now) to mess with learning to reload. 99% of my hunting is archery. I shoot my bow almost daily. For rifles I have a 7mm-08 that I use maybe every 5 years, and a .223 that I use maybe a couple of times each winter for coyotes. That's it. As I said I'm an archery hunter so a long shot for me with a rifle is 200 yards. My plan was to teach my kids, or be able to dabble when I'm retired, but I have other things that take up my time.

My question is: Is it worth my time to learn to reload, or would I be better off selling it and just buying a pile of factory ammo? A 20 round box of 7mm-08 will last me several years.

Thanks!

 

[RME]

My question is: Is it worth my time to learn to reload, or would I be better off selling it and just buying a pile of factory ammo? A 20 round box of 7mm-08 will last me several years.

Doesn't sound like you need a pile. A few boxes would last you quite a while.

Reloading is best for people who shoot enough to make the time and money spent worth the effort. If you're only shooting a handful of rounds per year it's not worth it IMO.

 

[waspocrew]

I'd sell if I were you - if you don't shoot a ton, I don't feel it's an investment that's worth the time and expense.

 

[Shortschaf]

Get rid of it
Life is too short. Its not a rewarding hobby unless you want to shoot a lot, learn long range shooting, and have the extra time IMO

 

[coyotecreek]

Kinda what I was thinking. Thanks for responding!

 

[MuleyFever]

I decided to stop reloading when I still had 2 rifles I pretty much had to reload for. It wasn't worth it. Sold the rifles and bought new ones that had good factory ammo available. Its a commitment and if you don't shoot a bunch it isn't worth it.

 

[Huntnpack 2]

I decided to get out of reloading & when I made that decision I made a plan to set up a rifle that could utilize factory ammo or custom loaded ammo if needed. Also as a backup I have a nephew that will let me use his equipment if needed. Has turned out fine. I shoot as much as I want.

 

[RWT]

Sell it or trade it for 500 rounds of 7/08 in the same lot. You will be ahead from a time stand point for certain.

 

[GARLICSALT]

I could sure use some 7mm-08 dies if you're going to unload the gear.
PM would be great.

 

[Bugger]

Powder skyrocketed in price, probably a better investment 6 years ago than most stocks. Sell, see what works best in your 7-08, buy a bunch and never worry about it again.

 

[eaglemountainman]

Sounds like you dont have the commitment for reloading.
I might be interested in making a deal for some bullets, if you care to PM me.

 

[Kimber7man]

I’d sell most everything except the primers. Never know when those are going to be non-existent again, and you can store them forever. Primers, brass and an 8 lb jug of Ramshot Big Game will last you a long, long time with the mighty 7-08.

 

[flyfisher117]

I’d sell. But if you don’t need the cash right now it’ll probably be worth more during the next shortage.

 

[coyotecreek]

I’d sell. But if you don’t need the cash right now it’ll probably be worth more during the next shortage.

Great point, I don't need the cash right now but I didn't think of it as an investment.

 

[Aussie Dan]

I'd go a slightly different route.
Make a deal with someone to do some load development and make you 250 (or whatever) rounds of the most accurate ammo combination in exchange for giving them the dies/leftover powder/primers etc.
I'd also be sure to find a factory load (and buy 100-200 of that lot $) that your rifle shoots to an acceptable standard before getting rid of your current stockpile.

Those 350-500 rounds might well last your lifetime unless you have more time in future.